FARMERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

OCTOBER 2013

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(Posted Mon. Oct 7th, 2013)

Oct. 7: Space remains available for farmers in some states to become involved in the NCGA/DuPont New Leader Program, kicking off next month in Des Moines, which was created to empower growers to share the story of their farms and the benefits of a robust agriculture system with key audiences, including consumers, media and decision-makers. The National Corn Growers Association and DuPont first announced this program in July, designed for farming couples.

“This is the first year of an entirely new program for us, and we’ve got an exciting agenda planned to help turn our farmers into capable spokespersons for American agriculture and provide them with support they need for considering a leadership role in their corn association,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “I encourage farmers to consider participating and to get involved as we face some very exciting and important times for corn growers.”

The NCGA/DuPont New Leader Program will bring farmers from each affiliated state to two sessions to develop and hone their communications and leadership skills. The first session will be held Nov. 18-21 at the DuPont Pioneer facilities in Johnston, Iowa. The second session will take place in July 2014, in Washington, D.C, and Wilmington, Del. In between the two sessions, those farm couples involved will be encouraged to be actively participating and honing their skills in state and national programs. Individuals also will be considered for the program.

“These next generations of family farmers are critical to feeding a growing world population,” said Susan Bunz, leader of Policy and Outreach for the advanced seed business of DuPont Pioneer. “We are excited for the opportunity to work with NCGA to prepare these new farmers to be advocates for agriculture and leaders in agriculture policy at the state and national levels.”

Couples or individuals interested in participating are urged to contact their state corn association before the Oct. 15 deadline.